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A pastor in Meru has been charged with disturbance.
Pastor Joshua Kioko was accused of making noise during kesha on August 17 in Mulathankari area in Imenti North Sub County at around.
Pastor Kiko of Hope Evangelism Church is alleged to have made unreasonable noise which was likely to disturb the comfort of others and environment contrary to legal notice and regulation of environment management and coordination, regulations of 2009.
Kioko was released on Sh5, 000 cash bail, awaiting the case hearing on October 1. The case will be mentioned on September 6.
In an attempt to show solidarity with their pastor, the faithful flocked the courtroom and waited patiently until the charges were read. Later, they escorted him to the court gates immediately after the cash bail was paid.
Meanwhile, a section of leaders and the clergy have condemned the recent harassment and arrest of pastors citing an incident where an usher was beaten up and his jacket torn before police damaged and confiscated property belonging to the church.
They said the police should instead provide security to the clergy during Sunday sermons and ensure that they compensate them for the property which was destroyed during the ugly incident.
Led by Nyaki West MCA Martin Mworia, Carol Mbae and Patrick Muriungi, they said the police officers should look for alternative ways of resolving outstanding issues with the clergy instead of storming the church during the church sermons.
Speaking in Meru town, they accused the police of bias against specific churches by targeting them over unfounded lies and propaganda.
